Mental Health Month

October is Mental Health Month, which provides a perfect opportunity to start a conversation about mental health and wellbeing.

October is Mental Health Month, which provides a perfect opportunity to start a conversation about mental health and wellbeing. Did you know that 1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental illness this year, and in the dental profession those rates appear to be much higher. We are not immune. We are not invulnerable. Those affected are our family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. And sadly, we know that 60% of people with a mental illness will not seek help.

Mental Health in the Dental Profession

Our research* has shown a high burden of mental health and wellbeing issues across the dental profession, at rates much higher than the general population and for other comparable health professions:

• 1 in 10 has a current diagnosis of anxiety disorder

• 1 in 10 has a current diagnosis of depression

• 1 in 4 has symptoms consistent with burnout

• 1 in 6 had recent thoughts of suicide

• 1 in 3 had moderate-severe psychological distress

When was the last time you checked-in on your mental health?

Feeling anxious is a normal response to keep us safe from danger - it’s fight or flight in action. But persistent worry or distress can be difficult to control. Anxiety can interfere with how we go about our everyday lives, and make it hard to cope with ‘normal ‘challenges. When we frequently feel anxious, it can be considered a disorder. Take this free online anxiety self test to give you an understanding of the likelihood that you might have symptoms consistent with anxiety disorder.

Burnout has some common signs. It’s possible to experience some of these signs during periods of stress without feeling burnt out. However, if you’re noticing these signs often and feeling emotionally overloaded, you may be experiencing burnout. Take the Sydney Burnout Measure self-test here to give you an understanding of the likelihood that you might have burnout.

Feeling down or sad is a normal response to life events, and sometimes we just feel blue for no reason. Usually our sadness or depressed feelings subside after a short period of time. Take this free online depression self test to give you an understanding of the likelihood that you might have symptoms consistent with depression.

Stress can be an appropriate physiological response to external circumstances. Short-term, low-level stress can be helpful or motivational and help us cope with specific challenges.  However long-term or high-level stress brought about by personal or professional challenges is harmful to our health and wellbeing. Take this free online psychological distress self test.

Mindful Smiles Hub

Our research led to developing the Mindful Smiles, a resource developed by a passionate team of health professionals to provide resources, support and advocacy for dental practitioners.

References:

Factors associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts by Australian dental practitioners

Mental health, psychological distress and burnout in Australian dental practitioners

Australian dental practitioners experience of burnout